Multi-stage trim

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a system that has a trim with a plurality of flow paths. In certain embodiments, each flow path includes a series of stages and an expansion zone disposed in series between each of the stages. The expansion zones are configured to flow a fluid in a direction that is generally perpendicular to directions of flow in both an adjacent-upstream stage and an adjacent-downstream stage.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A system, comprising:
 a trim having a plurality of flow paths, wherein each flow path comprises: 
 a series of stages; and 
 an expansion zone disposed in series between each of the stages, wherein the expansion zones are configured to flow a fluid in a direction that is generally transverse to directions of flow in both an adjacent-upstream stage and an adjacent-downstream stage, and the stages progressively increase in size along each of the flow paths according to an increasing expansion ratio; 
 wherein the trim comprises a plurality of plates stacked one over another, wherein a first plate of the plurality of plates has opposite first and second sides, wherein the first side has at least some cavities of the series of stages or expansion zones not extending to the second side, wherein the second side has at least some cavities of the series of stages or expansion zones not extending to the first side. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein each one of the series of stages defines a generally cuboid volume, and each one of the expansion zones defines a generally cylindrical volume. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least some adjacent stages extend in directions that form acute angles. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the trim has a generally tubular shape. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the generally tubular shape defines an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein each expansion zone of the expansion zones has a generally cylindrical shape with a generatrix that is generally parallel to the axial direction. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 4 , wherein each stage of the series of stages extends parallel to a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axial direction. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the trim comprises a cylindrical shape defined by a plurality of plates, and wherein adjacent stages of the series of stages are formed in different plates. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , comprising a choke valve having the trim. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , comprising a mineral deposit, a well, a pressure vessel, a pipeline; a storage facility, a mineral processing facility, a refinery, a mineral extraction system, a christmas tree, or a combination thereof, coupled to the choke valve. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the series of stages progressively increase in size along each of the flow paths according to a non-constant increasing expansion ratio. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein each expansion zone of the expansion zones has a single upstream stage and a single downstream stage of the series of stages. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a first series of at least two expansion zones of the expansion zones are coupled together by a first intermediate stage of the series of stages in a first common plane. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein a second series of at least two expansion zones of the expansion zones are coupled together by a second intermediate stage of the series of stages in a second common plane. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein a third intermediate stage extends between expansion zones in the first and second series, and the third intermediate stage of the series of stages is disposed in a third plane different from the first and second common planes. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second common plates are the same as one another. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the series of stages extend in alternating first and second directions that are generally opposite to one another. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second directions are acutely angled relative to one another.